Spring is officially here...

March is over and April is fast on its way.  It’s hard to believe that Easter is just over two weeks away.  I must say I’m looking forward to that. There is so much to give praise for this month so let me start by telling you about probably my biggest highlight for March… our “Ladies Night”

To put it simply it was an amazing night.  We had 14 girls in total, 12 of them were brand new to the centre, and even some of our breakfast club girls came along which was brilliant. We had a pamper room upstairs which included makeup, nails, and foot massages along with facial steamers. After the girls got pampered they were able to get a photo taken with their mates (which we then got printed for them later) and downstairs with yours truly was cupcake design and chocolate fondue. The girls loved it. Do to the success of “ladies Night” we launched Girl’s a week and half later.  It’s  now every Wednesday night. We had a total of 9 girls the first night, and 7 the next time, and were having it again tonight. The amazing thing is that new girls have come each and every time, and they have also started come along to the likes of drop-in as well. In total now we have over 30 girls involved in different programmes held at the centre. A vast increase from a month ago when we there was just 7. So praise God for that. Please keep Nadine, Helen, and I in your prayers as we build relationships with these girls. There are two girls in particular who are from breakfast club, that have been coming to both girls group and drop-in. Be praying in particular for these two girls, my heart breaks to hear the stories they tell me, both girls are involved with drugs and sex. That sad thing is that this is very much the norm, girls as young as 11 are known to be having sex.  

My knowledge of drugs and alcohol and all things related has been broadened quite a lot over the course of the past couple weeks. It honestly blows my mind, really pray that God will keep these kids safe, that He would give us the words to say when we’re talking with them, and that He would open up their eyes so they can see what they are doing to themselves.

Another highlight for me again is Wednesday afternoon drop-in. All the craic and banter that happens has a way of perking your spirits from whatever mid week slump you happen to find yourself in.  Even though with the likes of breakfast club, afternoon drop-in, and both guys and girls group now on a Wednesday it can make for a long day, but it is still probably my favorite day.

School programmes have been running well. The three of us did another set of RE lessons in another of the local primary schools, and are trying again to set something up for yet another school. SU’s and Assemblies, as usual are going really well.  We have started to send out emails for a P7 transition programme that we do towards end of April, May, June time.  We go to the different primary schools and try to inform and prepare the kids who will be transitioning to a big school, and the big school environment. Pray for that would be appreciated as we start to sign up different schools.

Over Easter we are doing a programme called “Zone 67” it is specifically for P6, and P7 grades (9-11 year olds) We will be doing it over 4 days, and two hours each afternoon. There will be different things like crafts, games, and a possible trip on the last day.  

Unfortunately we haven’t been able to launch the likes of Friday Night drop-in yet, as we have not been able to gather enough volunteers, and it has now been pushed back to start at the beginning of May, Lord willing. Pray that God will provide us with enough volunteers for this.

Planning and preparation for a lot of our summer programmes is fast under way it’s scary to see just how fast everything is coming up. We have 10 signed up for summer camp, which was our goal, and still possibly a few more that seem keen to go. All forms need to be in by the end of this week, so pray that forms would come back to us soon. I’m really looking forward to both summer camp and project 32 this year. It will be good to spend some quality time with our young people, I pray that God would really work, and prepare hearts especially for the likes of Summer Camp.

Thank you all again for your prayers and support, I know God is moving in this town, and I’m so excited to see what He has done over the course of the past month.